The Malaysian Insight

COVID-19 patient Din passes time at the UiTM Chenderiang quarantine and low-risk treatment centre (PKRC) in Terengganu tidying up the place, topping up hot water in dispensers and showing new arrivals around.

The 45-year-old, who only wanted to be known by his nickname, said he would otherwise be bored.

Since his Covid-19 symptoms are mild, he said he would rather spend his energy helping out, rather than lie in bed and worry.

Din has been at the PKRC since Friday, after testing positive. He noticed other patients with mild symptoms helping overworked front-liners with simple tasks and decided to join them.

“At first, I was like everyone else, just waiting around for meals and doing my own thing, but when I saw other Covid-19 patients volunteering, I thought I could do the same.

“Why not help others? We ourselves would like to receive help,” he told a reporter from The Malaysian Insight, also in quarantine at the PKRC.

From clearing the rubbish bins to washing toilets, distributing blankets to new arrivals and giving them information on quarantine centre activities, Din said there were many little things that someone could do to help.

Often, these are small things that are taken for granted, like ensuring the hot water dispenser is filled so that mothers can mix formula milk for their children.

Din also felt sorry for healthcare workers manning the PKRC because, besides their healthcare work, they also had to perform tasks like emptying rubbish bins and cleaning toilets.

Cleaning contractors are only employed to collect rubbish and wash the bedding.

“The frontlines at quarantine centres have to do tasks that are part of their job as medical professionals.

“So, patients here really should not just expect everything to be done for them. 

“Maintaining the hygiene and cleanliness of this place is the patients’ duty as well,” he said.

Din added that the front-liners were very grateful whenever patients stepped forward to help them. If items for cleaning, such as detergent, are needed, patients only need to ask the PKRC’s operations room for it.

“The front-lines never ask for help, but we can see that they welcome it. However, we have to be sensitive to know what we can and cannot do so that we don’t interfere with their work.”

The UiTM Chenderiang PKRC is quickly reaching maximum capacity as Covid-19 cases spike in Terengganu. The state has been reporting three-digit daily virus infections since Friday.

Din said with a constant influx of new arrivals, he has also taken it upon himself to try to make some of them feel comfortable.

“I talk to some new arrivals who look nervous, so that they don’t feel so stressed. I tell them about our routine, like having to do a blood pressure test every morning, or what check-ups are all about, so that they feel more familiar.

“I also help to look out for their items so that they aren’t stolen,” Din said.

Another Covid-19 patient at the same PKRC, who wanted to be known as Ahmad, said he also volunteered for similar tasks and tried to encourage other patients to join him.

The 48-year-old said he enjoyed volunteering as he was an experienced hand at doing such work with charity organisations.

“It’s good to motivate other patients and keep their spirits up by showing that we should be responsible for each other.

“When one steps forward to help, others will also follow. Soon, patients are helping out, distributing items on their own without being asked to help.” – May 23, 2021.